first model ever. tricks/tips?

[wardcustoms]

i just finished this one today and i am already addicted. i rushed through it, taking me about two weeks tinkering on it here and there. i plan to make a tubbed dragster next but i have no clue on how to build one from a stock kit. what materials(paint, adhesive etc etc...) do i need to build one. i want it to be as realistic as possible. also what tricks or tips do you guys have for me (a beginner). thanks.

-Scott

[randx0]

not bad for a first model. One thing you could try even on this one is bare metal foil . it is an adhesive backed chrome foil used for thing like window trim ,scripts,and anything else that is a little too narrow to paint .you basically stick it on the trim ,burnish and then carefully trim with a sharp hobby knife. Is your tubbed dragster going to be a large scale like this one ?I think scratch building may be a little ambitous but you gotta start some where.although building a few more models out of the box and learning some solid fundamentals would go a long way . specific questions will be answered more often than extremely broad questions because there is so many different ways to accomplish building a model . good luck and have fun!

[TooOld]

Looks really good for your first build Scott ! That Street Charger kit is pretty simple compared to a lot of other kits , especially the 1/25 scale kits .

I'd suggest you find one that is already tubbed and with a body style you like , and build that one first . Unless you have some experience scratch building and doing body work , you shouldn't jump right in for only your second build . There's a chance you will have a few problems and get frustrated , and that's not good . I'm not trying to discourage you at all , and if you feel you can do it , go for it !

Good luck and have fun !

BOB .

[MrObsessive]

The model looks good for a beginner!

One suggestion I have is to perhaps use a smaller gauge wire for your engine wiring. While it's not bad, it may be a bit oversized for that particular scale. I generally use 30 gauge "Kynar Wire" which can be found on eBay in all sorts of colors, and is better suited for 1/24-25th scale.

As far as scratchbulding, I echo what Bob said. I would start off with something simple and small. Starting off with too much can be overwhelming and can lead to frustration which you don't want starting off so soon. As your skills build, build up to more challenging things, but patience is the key word here. Things won't always turn out the way you'd like the first time out.

Hope this helps!

[wardcustoms]

thanks for the feedback guys. any good models or model website recomendations?

[Der Bugmeister]

I've just recently got back into building models after taking a break for over 17 years. I had a lot to relearn, and even more to learn as supplies/tools improved and the introduction of the internet (didn't have it when I stopped building!!!) has made me aware of many new to me techniques.

There are probably other good websites out there, but I've probably learned more in the Tips and Tricks section here, and reading the various build threads, than I have everywhere else combined so far.

Take some time to crawl through this forum, there's a treasure trove of knowledge here and a lot of top notch builders ready to share their techniques.

You're off to a good start, that Charger looks great.

[Jantrix]

That looks great for a first model. I think you have some good skills and the build looks clean. Keep at it!

[Fat Brian]

Since you want to build a tubbed chassis car next I would suggest to you Revells excellent 67 Chevelle prostreet kit. This kit practically falls together with the on fiddly bits being the rear end assembly but it's not too bad. You could also probably still find AMTs prostreet 70 Coronet fairly easy since it was out recently too. If you are looking for something more race than street Revell has recently had a 55 sportsman kit out also.

[Deathgoblin]

I've just recently got back into building models after taking a break for over 17 years. I had a lot to relearn, and even more to learn as supplies/tools improved and the introduction of the internet (didn't have it when I stopped building!!!) has made me aware of many new to me techniques.

There are probably other good websites out there, but I've probably learned more in the Tips and Tricks section here, and reading the various build threads, than I have everywhere else combined so far.

Take some time to crawl through this forum, there's a treasure trove of knowledge here and a lot of top notch builders ready to share their techniques.

You're off to a good start, that Charger looks great.

I'm in the same boat. I got out for about 20 years and just recently got back into building cars. There's a lot to learn, but I'm having more fun than ever.

[wardcustoms]

thanks for comments guys. i still like the idea of a tubbed drag car but im really considering making a prerunner or trophy truck out of revells 99 silverado kit.

and does anyone know where i can get aftermarket 1/25 engines or some models with and dressed up ones? ive looked but never found any i was impressed with.